A recent report by Fox News has ignited a heated debate in the United States over the proposal to ban the right-on-red driving rule. The discussion comes after an incident involving Sophee Langerman, who was struck by a car turning right through a red light while walking her bike across a crosswalk in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.

Langerman, though fortunate to have escaped serious injury, highlights the need to reconsider a practice that has been widely accepted in U.S. cities for decades. The surge in accidents resulting in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities has prompted various policy and infrastructure changes, with the ban on right-on-red drawing significant attention from both proponents and opponents.

Last year, Washington, D.C.'s City Council approved a ban on right turns on red, which will take effect in 2025. Meanwhile, Chicago's new Mayor Brandon Johnson's transition plan has expressed a desire to restrict right turns on red, though specifics have not been provided. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, right turns at red lights are already prohibited in the downtown area.

San Francisco has recently voted to urge their transportation agency to ban right turns on red across the entire city, while other major cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver have also been examining the possibility of implementing similar bans.

Advocates of the ban argue that drivers should not have the authority to decide when it is safe to make a right turn on red, especially considering the prevalent issues of distracted driving. However, opponents, like Jay Beeber from the National Motorists Association, argue that blanket bans would not necessarily improve road safety. Beeber cites a forthcoming study by the association, which analyzed California crash data from 2011-2019, revealing that right turns on red only accounted for a small number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths over the years.

The United States stands out as one of the few major countries that generally allows right turns on red. In the 1970s, amidst concerns about energy crises, the U.S. government warned states that prohibiting right-on-red could potentially risk federal funding. Although the provision to cap speed limits at 55 mph has been abandoned, the right-on-red rule has persisted.

Bill Schultheiss, director of engineering at Toole Design Group, criticizes the right-on-red policy as an example of bad policy-making. He suggests that while it made sense during the gas crisis, its long-term consequences were not adequately considered.

It is worth noting that most of New York City has never allowed right turns on red, and large signs in Manhattan explicitly prohibit the practice. However, it has remained the default policy across the rest of the country until Washington, D.C.'s recent decision.

Critics of the ban argue that it will inconvenience motorists and potentially hamper the efficiency of commuter buses and deliveries. The United Parcel Service has not taken an official stance on right-on-red but has long instructed drivers to avoid left turns whenever possible due to inefficiencies.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential disproportionate impact of right-on-red bans on lower-income drivers who rely on driving to work because they cannot afford to live near public transit. Priya Sarathy Jones from the Fines and Fees Justice Center argues that increased enforcement at red lights would likely lead to more surveillance cameras, raising concerns about privacy and excessive penalties.

Unfortunately, there are no recent nationwide studies on the number of accidents caused by right-turning drivers. However, a national report by the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates that in 2022, over 7,500 pedestrians were struck and killed by automobiles, marking the highest number since 1981. The rise in pedestrian fatalities is attributed to various factors, including the increase in larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickups, which have larger blind spots and pose a greater risk to pedestrians.

As the debate continues, both proponents and opponents rely on older research to support their arguments. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's report to Congress in 1994 analyzed crash data from several states, revealing a significant number of injury crashes and fatalities attributed to right turns on red. However, critics argue that this study predates the substantial growth in the nation's vehicle fleet.

While legislation proposing a statewide ban on right turns on red in Washington state did not advance beyond committee, Seattle has recently implemented a default policy prohibiting right turns on red at new traffic signals.

The ongoing discussion surrounding right-on-red driving rules highlights the urgent need to strike a balance between road safety and the convenience of motorists. The potential consequences of implementing a ban extend beyond mere inconvenience, affecting enforcement, privacy, and social equity. As various cities and states grapple with this issue, a comprehensive approach that includes improved road infrastructure may provide a more effective solution to reducing accidents and ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.